Federal honchos in Kearny to announce new standard for rebuilding with Sandy recovery funding

Federal officials visited a power substation in Kearny last week to announce a sweeping new standard to be met by those who receive federal funds to repair or rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

“Our goal is to make investments that last for generations to come,” said U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan, speaking at the substation off Newark Turnpike that was crippled by the superstorm.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced at the event that homeowners and business owners rebuilding with Sandy recovery dollars must elevate the structure of their rebuilt properties 1 foot above existing FEMA standards.

If elevating the structure is impossible, boilers or other utilities located below the standard elevation must be made floodproof, he said.

The new standard pertains to rebuilding projects that cost more that 50 percent of the market value the property, the officials said, noting that $50 billion has been allocated for such projects.

“Providing this guaranteed minimum level of protection will help us safeguard our investment and, more importantly, will help communities ensure they are better able to withstand future storms,” said Donovan, who heads the Sandy recovery task force created by President Barack Obama.

LaHood said failure of the substation in Kearny during Sandy affected Amtrak and NJ Transit lines. He said the substation, which was built in the 1930s, will cost about $25 million to rebuild and it will be rebuilt to meet the new standard.

“President Obama has called on us to invest in our nation’s infrastructure, and that includes ensuring that our transit systems, roads, rails and bridges are built to last,” LaHood said at the press conference, which took place on a gravel road between train tracks and marshland.

U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. lauded the new guidelines, saying they will help rebuild a stronger and more resilient Garden State.

“Mass transit is the lifeline for many New Jersey commuters, so it’s critical transportation hubs like Kearny are better equipped to handle future disasters,” Pascrell said.

The announcement does not retroactively affect federal aid already given out to property owners and communities in Sandy-impacted areas, officials said.